Marko Amused by McLaren's 'Attack Max' Order in Las Vegas

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko found it "very funny" when McLaren instructed Lando Norris to "attack Max" during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, only for Max Verstappen to respond by setting the fastest lap and dominating the race.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's seemingly effortless dominance, even under pressure, highlights his unparalleled control and the raw pace of the Red Bull package. McLaren's ambitious call to 'attack Max' underscores their growing confidence and competitive spirit, but Verstappen's immediate and decisive response showcases the formidable challenge he presents to any contender in Formula 1.

The details:

• Verstappen won the Las Vegas Grand Prix from second on the grid, quickly overtaking poleman Norris at Turn 1 after Norris went wide while defending too aggressively.
• Norris later showed strong pace after his pit stop, passing George Russell with 16 laps remaining. It was at this point that McLaren radioed him, saying, "we're going to get Max."
• Upon hearing this, Verstappen, who was leading by a few seconds, immediately responded by setting the fastest lap, quickly extending his lead over Norris to finish 20.7 seconds ahead.
• Marko's reaction: Helmut Marko told Sky Sports Germany, "The funniest thing was the message that came from McLaren: 'Attack Max, overtake him.' And then he hammered in one fastest lap after another, just to make things clear."
• Marko also noted that Verstappen drove with "such confidence and ease," maintaining his pace and saving tires. He added that Verstappen "won the first corner and practically forced Norris into the mistake."
• Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies praised Verstappen's "masterclass," noting that he had "even more pace than what we have seen in the car" and could increase his speed whenever challenged.

The big picture:

Verstappen's ability to maintain pace and respond decisively to competitive threats demonstrates why he is a four-time world champion. His performance in Las Vegas, where he was in full control despite initial challenges, highlights Red Bull's strong form and strategic prowess. The incident also offers a glimpse into McLaren's assertive strategy, even if it didn't yield the desired result against Verstappen.

What's next:

Verstappen's victory in Vegas, his sixth of the 2025 season, combined with McLaren's post-race double disqualification, has tightened the championship fight. He is now 24 points behind championship leader Norris, with two rounds remaining (Qatar and Abu Dhabi). Red Bull's resurgence, particularly since Monza upgrades in September, has seen Verstappen secure four victories in the last seven Grands Prix, keeping him firmly in title contention. The team now prepares for the vastly different conditions in Qatar, aiming to "reset and try to nail the weekend again."